I recently got me a pair of AkgK712pro headphones.My question is since im mixing at -10 to -8 db and my headphones at full volume in my interface are not loud enough,would it be ok to raise the master fader until my signal hits around -3db? Of course i will turn it down after i finish the mix

 

Last edited: Jan 13, 2018

Perfectly fine. For mixing adjust the level going to the headphone to where it's low, but comfy and you hear everything.

You'll want to go lower when you're trying to get an overall balance (it helps because human ears hear differently at lower volumes), and to listen louder when you're balancing the bass (ears hear bass freq's clearer at higher volume).

Working digital, in general you can have your master fader at whatever value you want. The only caveat is that you need to remember about it in case you're using some analog modelling plug where the input level really matters and needs to be at -18RMS average level with about -6dB peaks above that. But then again, you can break even that rule if it sounds good to you - the analog-emulating plug will start distorting and puttering, but if that disto is exactly what you want, don't let anyone stop you.

When want to send your track for mastering, render it in whatever sample rate you used when you mixed it, preferably in 24bit resolution. The mastering engineer will appreciate if you set your master fader such that the peaks are nicely popping at about -6db most of the time and the average level in the mix is at about -18RMS, for the same exact reason, because he'll want to use analog and it's extra hassle/time if you didn't do it. But it isn't a deal breaker, he'll fix it if needed and there won't be any quality lost or anything like that.

 

Sounds like you need a dedicated headphones amp that have enough juice to drive them. The audio quality will also improve.

 

Thanks for the replies people,i will be using this technique until i buy a proper amp for the cans!

 

This for certain, A good quality headphone amplifier needn't cost you a fortune in shekels, It is simply pairing the headphones with a load (in OHMs) which they expect to see, Just the same principle as is done with loud speakers and amplifiers. I have and really like the K712 headphones, I use them along with a pair of Audeze headphones (The Audeze use a planar magnetic design which is excellent, I love them but they are not a replacement as such for AKG's top-notch open back headphones for reference monitoring, Just a different version of excellence). So the Audeze are simply another tool that aid in the quest and need for very a no hyped/non-flattering, As detailed as possible listening experience and in turn really do aid with critical mix decisions. I have a pair of Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro for when I need closed back isolation in order to not be spilling into any microphones, They are pretty damned good as closed back designs go but still I'll always reach for the AKG's first along with the Audeze's as a different option, As I just don't find I work as well attempting to use closed back headphones for anything really crucial.

So yeah just ensure that you match the impedance of your headphones with the headphone amplifiers that you are looking at, It doesn't have to be perfect, Just in a similar range. IIRC off the top of my head the K712 Pro's impedance is rated at 60 OHM, My memory can be wonky though so don't take my word on that!

Beware the "audiophile"/AudioPhoolery market as the snake oil ooze's out of almost anything in that world ;) There are some decent, honest HiFi people around but IME they are a minority in that realm, YMMV of course.

I'm sure there are plenty of decent guides as to why matching impedance/loading things as they've been designed for in the case of any form of driver reproducing sound, This one is on a blogspot covers everything: http://nwavguy.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/headphone-impedance-explained.html

I was pretty concerned with what I'd do if any of my AKG microphones or headphones we're to need repair work doing that is not within my realm of capability, With the Austrian base being ditched in favor of a oriental base, However I was very surprised to read the following, Which I'm certain any other user and person who has quite some money in with the real AKG, made in Vienna/serviced-repaired that way also: https://www.austrian.audio/single-post/mikrophonservice
So that was a relief and good news for the beginning of the year

Hope that helps, Not that I have added anything on top of the good dude's already. All the best your way, Same Baxter good fella and to all as always

Dean

 

thanks for the info im aware of some good headphone amps,ive been searching a while and im going towards the Schiit magni 3.It costs around 100$ and i think its fair for the quality based on many many reviews.
I though about going for a cheap behringer solution,but the lack of quality is big

 

That sounds very reasonable for a piece of kit that will sort out the issue and be a one and done Antonis, It does pay of to hunt around and glad that you have something in mind which ticks all the right boxes, Nice one

 

Depending on your DAW you may also try a seperate bus for listening (to monitors and headphones), instead of using the master out.